While parenting Montessori children, here’s a new twist to praise and building “self-esteem”. Count how many times a day you say “Good Job!” to your children… then read this:
How Can We Help Our Children Avoid the “Self-Esteem Trap?” written by Mary Caroline Parker at the Barbara Gordon Montessori School
Better things to say:
- nothing
- a non-judgmental statement of the facts ex. You cut up the fruit for our lunch.
- praise the process, not the person ex. It looks like you worked really hard on that.
- comment on how the child’s actions have affected others ex. I bet your brother appreciated that.
- ask an open ended question ex. Tell me, why did you chose those colors?
Self-esteem and self-confidence come from SELF, not from Mom and Dad!
